Boca Helping Hands Offers Free CDL Training Program

Nonprofit aims to fill driver shortage after hundreds of schools closed.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:10pm

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A photorealistic studio still-life image featuring a stack of commercial driver's licenses, a set of truck keys, and a DOT physical card arranged elegantly on a clean, white background, conceptually representing the abstract ideas of workforce development, transportation, and economic opportunity.A workforce development program empowers commercial drivers to build stable careers and financial security.Boca Raton Today

Boca Helping Hands (BHH), a community-based nonprofit in Boca Raton, Florida, is offering a free Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training program to help address the high demand for qualified commercial drivers. The program provides free training and job placement assistance to eligible candidates, following the closure of over 550 commercial driving schools nationwide due to safety issues.

Why it matters

The CDL training program is part of BHH's broader workforce development initiatives to help individuals and families improve their financial stability. With the recent shutdowns of commercial driving schools, the demand for qualified commercial drivers has surged, creating an opportunity for BHH to provide in-demand skills and job placement support.

The details

BHH's CDL program partners with The CDL School, Inc. to offer a 192-hour master program for a Class A CDL or a 64-hour program for a Class B CDL with passenger and school bus endorsements. Eligible candidates must have a CDL learner's permit, DOT physical card, high school diploma or GED, valid driver's license, and Social Security card. Participants also complete a Level 1 background check and a job readiness program before receiving job placement assistance upon graduation.

  • In February 2026, the U.S. Department of Transportation ordered the closure of more than 550 commercial driving schools due to safety issues.
  • Boca Helping Hands launched its free CDL training program in April 2026.

The players

Boca Helping Hands

A community-based nonprofit in Boca Raton, Florida, that provides food assistance and workforce development programs to help individuals and families improve their quality of life and build financial stability.

The CDL School, Inc.

An accredited partner organization that provides the training for Boca Helping Hands' CDL program.

Dr. Andrew Hagen

The Executive Director of Boca Helping Hands.

Trina Chin Cheong

The Director of Workforce Development at Boca Helping Hands.

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What they’re saying

“Not only do our workforce development programs provide our clients with solid careers and economic advancement, we are also filling a demand for workers at a critical time.”

— Dr. Andrew Hagen, Executive Director, Boca Helping Hands

“At Boca Helping Hands, maintaining a safe and supportive environment is central to our mission. As a key component of our Workforce Development programs, all candidates complete a Level 1 Background Check, a standard screening through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement that reviews state and local records.”

— Trina Chin Cheong, Director of Workforce Development, Boca Helping Hands

What’s next

Boca Helping Hands plans to continue offering the free CDL training program to help meet the high demand for qualified commercial drivers in the region.

The takeaway

By providing free CDL training and job placement assistance, Boca Helping Hands is addressing a critical workforce shortage while also empowering individuals to build stable careers and financial security.